SALT LAKE CITY -- Merlin Olsen, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman and member of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" who followed up football with a successful television career in "Little House on the Prairie," NFL broadcasts and commercials, has died. He was 69.

Utah State, Olsen's alma mater, said he died outside of Los Angeles early Thursday after battling cancer. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining, last year.

"He cared deeply about people, especially those that shared the game of football with him," Goodell said. "Merlin was a larger-than-life person, literally and figuratively, and leaves an enormously positive legacy."

Olsen was a consensus All-American at Utah State and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angles Rams in 1962.

The giant from northern Utah joined Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier on the Rams' storied "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line known for either stopping or knocking backward whatever offenses it faced. The Rams set an NFL record for the fewest yards allowed during a 14-game season in 1968.

Olsen was rookie of the year for the Rams in 1962 and is still the Rams' all-time leader in career tackles with 915. He was named to 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a string that started his rookie year.

Olsen was also an established television actor with a role on "Little House on the Prairie," then starring in his own series, "Father Murphy," from 1981 to 1983 and the short-lived "Aaron's Way" in 1988.

As a Utah State senior, Olsen won the 1961 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman. The Rams drafted him third overall in 1962 and he spent the next 15 years with the team before retiring in 1976. His Pro Football Hall of Fame induction came in 1982.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Merlin's passing. He was not only an extraordinary football player but just a superb human being," Hall of Fame president/executive director Steve Perry said in a statement.

"He was a dear friend to all of us at the Hall of Fame and to all of his fellow Hall of Famers. His support of the Hall over the years, including his past five as a member of our board, will long be appreciated."

Utah State honored Olsen in December by naming the football field at Romney Stadium "Merlin Olsen Field." Because of his illness, Olsen's alma mater didn't want to wait until football season and made the announcement during halftime of a basketball game.

Olsen was well enough to attend, but did not speak at the event. He stood and smiled as he waved to fans during a standing ovation and chants of "Merlin Olsen!" and "Aggie Legend!"

Utah State is also planning a statue of Olsen at the southeast corner of the stadium.

"This was the voice of a man who not only became one of our country's most decorated athletes, but also one of the most accomplished and respected people ever to hail from the state of Utah," said Stan Albrecht, president of Utah State.

The Rams also honored Olsen during a game Dec. 20, with a video tribute narrated by Dick Enberg, Olsen's longtime broadcast partner. Olsen did not attend because of his health. His name was already part of the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis along with other franchise standouts.

He was voted NFC defensive lineman of the year in 1973 and the NFL MVP in 1974, and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

rpmpit

03-11-2010, 10:18 PM

Very sad. RIP Merlin.

But FYI, on Total Access Sabol (I think it was Sabol - I was listening from the kitchen while making chicken cutlets :D ) said that Olsen was part of the Fearsome Foursome, the BEST FRONT FOUR IN LEAGUE HISTORY??

Much respect for Merlin, but come on Steve.

RuthlessBurgher

03-11-2010, 11:07 PM

The Ram d-line that we faced in Super Bowl XIV was very good (Olsen, Youngblood, Dryer, and Brooks), but the Rams previous foursome (Olsen, Jones, Grier, and Lundy) was great.

papillon

03-12-2010, 01:21 AM

The Ram d-line that we faced in Super Bowl XIV was very good (Olsen, Youngblood, Dryer, and Brooks), but the Rams previous foursome (Olsen, Jones, Grier, and Lundy) was great.

The quote was in "league" history not Rams history. I think there was a front four in Pittsburgh that was pretty darn good as well and they don't have to go on TV and tell everyone how good they were like Deacon Jones does.

Pappy

rpmpit

03-12-2010, 09:05 AM

The Ram d-line that we faced in Super Bowl XIV was very good (Olsen, Youngblood, Dryer, and Brooks), but the Rams previous foursome (Olsen, Jones, Grier, and Lundy) was great.

The quote was in "league" history not Rams history. I think there was a front four in Pittsburgh that was pretty darn good as well and they don't have to go on TV and tell everyone how good they were like Deacon Jones does.

Pappy

Exactamundo!!

SteelAbility

03-12-2010, 04:50 PM

RIP Merlin Olsen. I remember he used to call NFL games. His commentary was always relevant. I thought he was a good announcer. He made a heck of an actor too ... Little House on the Prairie star. :)

Oh, and yeah, our 70s front four :Bow were better than the Rams's 70s front four.